Define the term "latent heat" in relation to HVAC.

The term "latent heat" refers to the heat absorbed or released by a substance during a phase change, such as when water transforms from a solid (ice) to a liquid (water) or from a liquid (water) to a gas (steam). This process occurs without a temperature change, meaning that while the material is undergoing the change of state, its temperature remains constant despite the transfer of heat.

In HVAC, understanding latent heat is crucial because it plays a significant role in processes like air conditioning and humidity control. For example, when air is cooled in an air conditioning system, moisture may condense out of the air, a process involving latent heat. The system must manage this latent heat to maintain comfortable indoor humidity levels while also providing cooling.

In contrast, the other options refer to different thermal principles or operational aspects. The heat required to increase the temperature of a substance pertains to sensible heat, not latent heat. The concept of stable heat maintained within a system for comfort relates more to comfort levels in heating and cooling management. Energy consumed by HVAC equipment during operation deals with the efficiency and consumption metrics, rather than the specific nature of heat transfer during phase changes. Understanding latent heat helps technicians optimize system performance to ensure effective climate control and energy